Costa Rica - Mar 2025

A Complicated Start to a Birthday Tradition

Every March, I try to celebrate my birthday with a major international trip — something active, outdoors, and rejuvenating. This year’s plan was Costa Rica with Catherine and Karen: hiking in the cloud forests, swimming, ziplining, and immersing ourselves in nature.

San Juan

Two days before departure, Bailey’s dog bumped into me, and I fell in the driveway, twisting my ankle badly. By the time the swelling and bruising spread, I was on a cane and barely able to put weight on it. But Catherine had poured her heart into planning this trip, and canceling was not an option. So I wrapped the ankle, leaned into being stoic, and boarded the plane.

I flew from Rochester to Dallas, where Catherine and her new beau Greg picked me up. I stayed the night at Catherine’s home, and we kicked off the adventure with a delicious Asian dinner in Fort Worth. The next day, Greg drove us to pick up Karen, and the trip officially began.

Day One — Arrival in Costa Rica & Night Walk in Monteverde

We landed in San José early afternoon and met our driver — a local man related to the family who owned our Monteverde farm stay. He took us on the winding, scenic drive up into the mountains, stopping at a small grocery store so we could stock up on snacks, fruit, and wine.

Our accommodation was a rustic, charming cabin:

Above the Golf, Monteverde

(700 meters southeast of Rafael Arguedas School)

That night, we embarked on a guided night walk through the forest. Even with my ankle throbbing, it was magical — the sounds of insects, the mist, the thrill of moving through darkness guided only by headlamps. We saw sloths, strange insects, birds, and glowing plant life. Costa Rica feels alive in a way few places do.

Day Two — Breakfast Under the Pergola & Exploring Monteverde

In the morning, we walked to breakfast hosted by our farm stay owners. The meal was served under a lovely outdoor pergola overlooking the greenery — fresh fruits, local specialties, and the classic Costa Rican gallo pinto. It was one of the most peaceful breakfasts of the trip.

Our main activities that day were:

Visiting the Butterfly Garden, where vibrant wings fluttered around us like pieces of stained glass

Walking into town for cocktails and lunch at a whimsical treehouse restaurant

It was a slower day, which my ankle fully appreciated.

Day Three — Touring the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

We had a 10:30 AM tour booked with a guide named George at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the most unique ecosystems on earth.

🌿 What makes the Cloud Forest special?

Cloud forests are rare, high-altitude ecosystems where the trees literally capture moisture from the passing clouds. Everything feels soft, quiet, and otherworldly. Moss drapes over the branches, orchids cling to every surface, and the air smells like rain even when it’s not raining.

Walking through it — even slowly, carefully, and painfully — was breathtaking.

That evening, we had dinner at a local farm-to-table restaurant overlooking a working farm. The owner shared his story: originally a nurse in the U.S., he saved for years to buy land in Costa Rica and open a farm-based restaurant. Everything on the menu was organic, local, and either grown on-site or by neighboring farmers.

Day Four — Scenic Drive to Manuel Antonio & Our Ocean Resort

After another wonderful breakfast at our farm stay, we checked out and took a shuttle to Manuel Antonio — about four hours of dramatic mountain roads. The curves were so intense that Catherine became carsick several times, but the scenery was absolutely stunning.

We checked into our resort - 🏖 Parador Nature Resort & Spa, Punta Quepos

Perched high above the Pacific, Parador feels like a luxurious hideaway tucked into the rainforest. Jungle pathways twist past orchids and palms, monkeys climb the trees outside your balcony, and everywhere you look you see sweeping ocean views. The pools overlook the cliffs, the restaurants sit among tropical gardens, and the whole atmosphere is serene, elegant, and deeply restorative.

We had a lovely dinner at the hotel that night.

Day Five — Rest for Me, Adventure for Them.

Catherine and Karen went on a zipline canopy tour, flying through the treetops like the adventurous queens they are.

I stayed behind and rested my ankle by the resort pool — which felt like heaven. I did take a gentle walk down to the beach later in the day, but honestly, the pool was far more relaxing and picturesque.

Day Six — Snorkeling & Boat Tour

While the others explored the area, I went on a snorkeling and boat excursion, complete with a delicious onboard meal. The water was warm, the colors vibrant, and the pace slow — exactly what my body needed.

We ended the evening with a casual dinner at one of the resort’s restaurants.

Day Seven — Travel to San José & A Wine-Filled Night

After a leisurely breakfast surrounded by tropical gardens, we traveled back to San José. We checked into Hotel Presidente, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the city.

Dinner that night included lots of wine and laughter, the feeling of a trip slowly winding to an end. It was a lovely, warm evening.

Day Eight — San José Market & The Harrowing Ride to the Airport

We spent the morning browsing the San José Central Market, full of colorful crafts, coffee, leather goods, and local treats. After brunch, we ordered an Uber to the airport — a ride filled with chaotic traffic and multiple accidents along the highway. It was exciting in the way you hope never becomes too exciting.

Back in Dallas, I stayed with Catherine for a few more days.

We visited Grapevine — a charming historic town filled with wine tasting rooms, unique boutiques, and old-Texas character

And we visited the Fort Worth Stockyards, where I introduced the ladies to my beloved world of rodeo: longhorns, wooden boardwalks, country music, and classic Western flair

By the time the trip was over, my ankle was healed, my spirit was lighter, and I was so grateful I hadn’t canceled.